Bending Brake

48 inch bending brake, 14 gauge

A bending brake is a metalworking machine that allows the bending of sheet metal. The brake in the shop is a Chicago W31 steel box and pan brake. In a box-and-pan brake (also known as a finger brake), the clamping bar includes several removable blocks, which may be removed and rearranged to permit bending of restricted areas of a piece of sheet metal or of already partially formed pieces. After bending, a box or pan form is then completed by screw, solder, weld, rivet, or other metal fixing process.

Resources

• How to Use a Hand Brake
• Box and Pan Brake Video

Training

Bending Steps

1. Ensure that your sheet metal is thinner or equivalent to 14-gauge sheet metal, and ensure that it is less than 48" in width.
2. If making a bend for a box or a pan, adjust the fingers so that the equivalent width of the fingers is just shorter than your sheet metal.
3. Adjust the clamping force and the clamping handle to allow room to insert your work piece.
4. Insert your work piece to the line you want to bend, centered in the brake, and clamp your piece securely.
5. Pull up on the bending handle slowly until your piece is bent to the desired angle, and slowly lower the leaf.
6. Adjust the clamp handle, and remove your piece.
7. Put back any fingers if adjusted, and deburr if any rough edges are left.

Safety

1. Always make sure your hands are out of the way of the fingers and all moving parts.
2. Be aware of your surroundings to ensure that you do not bump others with the counterweight.
3. If bending a small piece of metal, place it in the center of the brake. (If you don't it can damage the machine)
4. You may not use the sheet metal machines without safety glasses!! (Should be obvious if you are following the rules of the shop)